Fender cs 1952 tele relic

$3,899.00 to $5,400.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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5.0 (2)

$5,400.00

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5.0 (9)

$3,899.00 37 available New

$2,800.00 81 available Used

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Average Price: $4,033

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender cs 1952 tele relic is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender cs 1952 tele relic". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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A true homage to a legendary era, the Fender Custom Shop 1952 Tele Relic captures the authentic spirit of the iconic Telecaster. This masterpiece is crafted with a hand-selected, 2-piece ash body and a solid 1-piece rift-sawn maple neck, offering a delightful balance of resonance and sustain. The '57-style soft "V" neck profile provides a comfortable grip, making it ideal for thumb-over playstyles, while the vintage compound-radius fingerboard ensures a smooth playing experience across its 21 narrow-tall frets.

What truly sets this Tele apart is its sonic prowess, thanks to the Custom Shop's hand-wound '50/'51 Blackguard pickups. These pickups are paired with ’51 Modified Nocaster wiring, delivering a dynamic vintage warmth that resonates with each strum. The traditional 3-way switch allows for versatile sound sculpting, whether you're blending pickups or seeking that dark vintage circuit tone from the neck position.

Every detail, from the vintage-style tuning machines to the bone nut and disk string tree, echoes the craftsmanship of yesteryears. The '51-'54 brass barrel saddles not only ensure stable intonation but also add a touch of classic flair. This guitar isn’t just about looks—it's a celebration of rich, timeless tones that have shaped music history.

Key Features:

Hand-wound ‘50/’51 Blackguard pickups for vintage warmth and dynamic response
2-piece ash body for rich mids and tight bass
Rift-sawn maple neck for lightweight sturdiness and climate adaptability
'57-style soft “V” neck profile for thumb-over playstyles
21 narrow-tall frets on a vintage compound-radius fingerboard (7.25–9.5-inch)
Classic ’51 Nocaster wiring allows for pickup blending
Vintage-style tuners, disc string tree, and bone nut
’51-’54 3-Saddle Vintage Tele bridge with brass barrel saddles
Includes deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity.

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	T-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Finish Features	Relic
Model Family	Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Fender Custom Shop

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Fender Custom Shop '52 Telecaster Relic?: The Fender Custom Shop '52 Telecaster Relic delivers classic Telecaster tones known for their bright, cutting sound with a strong midrange. It's ideal for genres like country, blues, and rock, offering both twangy cleans and gritty overdrives.
How does the relic finish affect the playability of the Fender '52 Telecaster?: The relic finish gives the guitar a vintage look and feel, simulating years of natural wear. This can enhance playability by offering a smoother neck and body surface, which some players find more comfortable and broken-in.
Is the Fender Custom Shop '52 Telecaster Relic suitable for advanced players?: Yes, the Fender Custom Shop '52 Telecaster Relic is designed with professional-grade components and craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for advanced players seeking authentic vintage tones and high-quality build.
What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop '52 Telecaster Relic?: The Fender Custom Shop '52 Telecaster Relic typically features a "U" shaped neck profile, which provides a substantial feel, suitable for players who prefer a thicker neck for better grip and support.
Does the Fender Custom Shop '52 Telecaster Relic come with any accessories?: This guitar usually comes with a Custom Shop hardshell case, certificate of authenticity, and other standard accessories, ensuring protection and authenticity for collectors and gigging musicians alike.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender cs 1952 tele relic.

Features and functionality

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The Fender CS 1952 Tele Relic is noted for its Handwound loaded custom shop No Caster pickups, providing a vintage sound profile.
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The bridge-blend control offers a unique alternative to the typical tone knob, and it can be swapped back to traditional wiring if desired.
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The compound fretboard radius ranges from 7.25 to 9.5, providing a distinct playability compared to other models.
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The guitar's Nocaster Blonde color is distinct from the butterscotch blonde, offering a unique aesthetic appeal.
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User experience

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Some players appreciate the worn-in feel of relic necks, comparing it to a comfortable, well-worn pair of jeans.
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Relic finishes can alleviate concerns about damaging a pristine guitar, allowing players to focus more on performance rather than preserving the instrument's appearance.
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Owners appreciate the deep U neck on the American Vintage II 1951 but often prefer the Custom Shop's neck for its tapering and feel.
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Despite some reservations about pre-made relics, users aim to achieve a naturally worn-in look over time through extensive play.
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An owner noted that after a year of home play, a nitro-finished Tele showed significant arm wear, unlike poly finishes that remain pristine.
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Comparisons

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It’s highlighted that modern lacquer finishes often contain more plasticizer, preventing them from wearing naturally like vintage finishes from the 50s.
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The neck profile and board radius differ significantly from the American Vintage II 1951 Tele, with the Custom Shop's neck tapering from a soft V to a C shape.
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A user pointed out that despite heavy relicing, some vintage guitars like those of Rory Gallagher and SRV show similar wear naturally after extensive use.
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Mods and upgrades

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A suggestion was made to add a ringed PAF style humbucker in the neck for a "Keef" vibe, referencing Keith Richards' setup.
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Some suggest aging hardware using hydrochloric/muriatic acid fumes for a more consistent relic look with the body's wear.
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Build quality

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A user highlighted that the relic finish often leaves the pickguard and knobs overly pristine compared to the worn body, causing visual discrepancies.
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Value and pricing

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The guitar is priced at $8,040, which some users find excessive for its relic condition, drawing comparisons to naturally worn instruments.
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Tom Lodewyckx

Guitarist

K's Choice

Verified via YouTube

In a video by Ed Struijlaart titled "Rig Rundown: Tom Lodewyckx’s Gear Setup met Clouseau in het Sportpaleis Antwerpen," Tom Lodewyckx explains his use of the Fender cs 1952 tele relic guitar.